Natural stone council highlights stone & tile pavilion at aia expo
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention & Expo took place from June 10 to 12 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, and the Natural Stone Council (NSC) had a strong presence at the event, with a 2,500-square-foot exhibit. Constructed and staffed by contributors to the Council, the booth was organized into nine sections, each with its own theme.
Sections One and Three - facing the main aisle - featured landscaping stones with granite curbing, bluestone and sandstone patios and flower-filled triangular shaped drystack walls. Photographs of residential and commercial landscaping formed the background for the stone materials. Inside the booth, the focus was on the green movement in architecture and the value of natural stone. Section Two was the grand entrance, with a majestic limestone colonnade and marble flooring that welcomed visitors into the booth. Everyone who walked by could not resist touching the smooth limestone columns and asking “Is this real?†This prompted signs throughout the booth that read, “Yes, it's real stone!â€